U.S. President Joe Biden has approved the use of long-range American missiles by Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing war with Russia. U.S. officials confirmed the decision on Monday, which allows Ukraine to deploy Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) against Russian targets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has long urged Washington to approve the weapons to intensify strikes on Russia.

The move comes as Russia launched one of its largest attacks on Ukraine, deploying 210 missiles and drones. Among these were aeroballistic and hypersonic missiles, as well as dozens of Shahed drones. Ukrainian officials reported that the strikes targeted civilian infrastructure, including critical facilities such as power plants and transformers.

In response to the attacks, Zelenskyy called on G20 nations to take a stronger stand against Russia. "Do not turn a blind eye to Russia’s continued terror," Zelenskyy urged in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He emphasised the need for decisive global action, stating, "Only when the world reacts decisively can the situation change. Russia has involved North Korea in its war—and the reaction has been weak. Russia has continued its terror for nearly 1,000 days—and the world’s decisions are still delayed."

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that the U.S. decision to supply long-range missiles to Ukraine could effectively mean NATO is "at war" with Russia. Putin has issued similar warnings in the past whenever Western nations have increased their military support for Ukraine.

This development further escalates tensions in the conflict, now nearing 1,000 days, as global leaders face mounting pressure to take stronger action against Russia’s aggression. The use of ATACMS is expected to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities significantly while raising concerns of broader implications for international security.